# OpenChess vs MindChess

The clearest difference is update cadence: OpenChess at fortnightly against MindChess's every 3 months. OpenChess also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OpenChess sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and MindChess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for OpenChess against 5.0 for MindChess. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

OpenChess ships an update fortnightly, MindChess every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenChess | MindChess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openchess-an-opening-explorer/id6504700904/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindchess/id6745103930/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 57 MB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [David Bryant](https://appshunter.io/developer/1559648957) | [omar megdadi](https://appshunter.io/developer/589920371) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenChess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openchess-an-opening-explorer/id6504700904)

Master chess openings by playing against a specialized AI. Explore specific defenses or move sequences, and gain insights into positional advantages and piece values. Improve your game from the very first moves.

**Highlights:** Learn specific chess openings, Play against AI focused on opening lines, Analyze positional advantages, Evaluate piece values and mobility, Understand pawn structure, Track defended and attacked pieces

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tarrasch Defense Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Trompowsky Attack Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Scandinavian Defense Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Three Knights Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Zukertort Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Van't Kruijs Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vienna Game Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ware Opening | $0.99 | one-time |
| Opening Explorer | $4.99 | one-time |
| OpenChess Premium | $19.99 | one-time |


### MindChess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindchess/id6745103930)

This app offers daily chess training designed to enhance mental visualization and blindfold play. It features mini-games that improve calculation, memory, and concentration, inspired by grandmaster training methods. Practice exercises focus on board elements without needing a physical board.

**Highlights:** Mental visualization training, Blindfold chess practice, Calculation and memory improvement, Concentration exercises, Mini-games inspired by grandmasters, Progress tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenChess free?

OpenChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MindChess free?

MindChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, OpenChess or MindChess?

OpenChess and MindChess are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do OpenChess or MindChess have ads?

Neither OpenChess nor MindChess shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenChess or MindChess?

OpenChess ships an update fortnightly, and MindChess every 3 months. Most recently, OpenChess was updated on October 15, 2026 and MindChess on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*